How to Wrap Text in Excel

Text wrapping in Excel makes spreadsheets easier to read by keeping long text inside a cell, instead of spilling over or getting cut off. It splits the text into multiple lines for a neat, professional look. This guide shares three simple ways-automatic and manual-to wrap text, plus tips to fix any issues for clean spreadsheets.

Use Wrap Text Shortcut in Excel

Shortcuts are a quick way to apply text wrapping without navigating through menus.

Shortcuts:

• Windows: Press Alt + H + W to apply text wrapping.
• Mac: Use the Wrap Text button in the ribbon under the Home tab

How to Wrap Text in Excel Automatically (Windows & Mac)

Auto wrap text in Excel is a quick way to make long text fit within a cell without cutting it off. Here's how you can do it on both Windows and Mac:

Method 1: Wrap Text Using the Ribbon (Wrap Text Button)

This method will help you to convert the long string into multiple lines. To force a lengthy text string to appear on multiple lines, select the cells that you want to format and turn on the Excel text wrap.

Follow the below steps to wrap text in Excel using Ribbon:

Step 1: Open Excel and Select Cell

Select the cell that you want to change.

Step 2: Go Home Tab and Select Wrap Text

On the Home tab to the Alignment group and click Wrap Text. You will see that your entered text is now wrapped in the cell automatically.

Method 2: Wrap Text Using Format Cells

Follow the below steps to wrap text using the Format Cells dialog box:

Step 1: Select the Cell in which you have data

Select the cell that you want to change.

Step 2: Right Click and Select Format Cell

Right-click on it and click on the Format cell in the drop down menu.

Step 3: Select Alignment in the Format Cells Dialog Box.

Step 4: Check Wrap Text in the Text Control Option and click OK.

Method 3: Using the Keyboard Shortcut

Follow the below steps to wrap text in Excel using keyboard shortcut:

Step 1: Open Excel and Select Cell

Select the cell that you want to change.

Step 2: Press ALT, H and W

Press Alt + H + W on your keyboard.

How to Wrap Text in Excel Manually with Line Breaks

If you want more control over where the text wraps, you can insert manual line breaks.

Step 1: Enter Edit Mode

Double-click the cell or press F2 to edit the text.

Step 2: Insert Line Breaks

Place the cursor where you want the text to break into a new line. Press Alt + Enter (Windows) or Option + Return (Mac).

Step 3: Enable Wrap Text

Ensure the Wrap Text feature is turned on under the Home tab.

How to Unwrap Text in Excel using Right Click

Follow the below steps to remove wrap text using the format cells dialog box:

Step 1: Select the Cell

Select the cell that you want to change.

Step 2: Right Click on the Cell and Select Format Cells

Right-click on Cell and click on the Format cell on the Dialog Box.

Step 3: Choose Alignment

Select Alignment in the Format Cells Dialog Box.

Step 4: Uncheck Wrap Text and Click ok

Uncheck Wrap Text in the Text Control option and click OK.

Alternatively, press the "Ctrl+1" shortcut to open the Format cells dialog and clear the Wrap Text check box on the alignment tab.

Troubleshooting Common Text Wrapping Issues

1. Wrapped Text Doesn’t Fit

Problem: Text appears cut off even after enabling wrapping.

Solution:

• Adjust the row height by dragging the bottom edge of the row number.
• Use AutoFit Row Height by double-clicking the bottom border of the row number.

2. Wrap Text Doesn’t Work

Problem: The text remains in one line despite applying wrap text.

Solution:

• Ensure the cell is not merged, as merged cells often conflict with text wrapping.
• Use the Format Cells method to ensure the wrap text setting is applied.

3. Column Width Limits

Problem: Wrapped text becomes unreadable due to narrow columns.

Solution:

• Adjust column width to improve readability.
• Combine wrapping with vertical alignment for better aesthetics.